Last minute Cinco de Mayo cocktails perfect for any celebration

When Fifth of May arrives on the calendar, it can be a reason to quench that thirst for some Cinco de Mayo cocktails. While this year might be about the Fiesta Remix, a bigger celebration or just an excuse to enjoy some time with friends, the reality is that the beverage glass should never be empty. Grab a cocktail shaker, a bottle and some ice, it is time to raise a glass and say salud.

Even if the historic significance of Cinco de Mayo might not be the conversation around the table, many people appreciate that the day tends to feature Mexican inspired food and beverages. While that taco, carne asada or even mole might satisfy a hunger, a refreshing beverage cannot be forgotten.

Although cocktails might add to the moment, spirits do not always have to be in the class. Mocktails featuring classic margarita or paloma flavors are equally enjoyable. When all the flavors come together in a single sip, the lack of liquor isn’t noticeable.

But, many people like a good tipple on a holiday and these Cinco de Mayo cocktails are ready to satisfy. From spicy and smoky to effervescent and intriguing, there is an option to satisfy every thirst. Grab a bottle and a glass, it is time to get shaking.

Smoke and Spice Margarita

As Q Mixers Chief Happy Hour Officer, Joel McHale appreciates that a holiday requires a special libation. But, no one wants a glass full of syrup and no flavor. Q Mixers always puts flavor first.

For Cinco de Mayo, Q Mixers and Joel McHale suggest the Smoke and Spice Margarita. According to McHale, “There’s no smoke and mirrors when it comes to this margarita. Forget watery ingredients or syrup-y sweet mix, all you need for your Cinco de Mayo celebration is Q Margarita Mix, a good pour of tequila, a glass and umbrella for good measure (toothpick size please).”

Here’s how to make Smoke and Spice Margarita

Ingredients

• 2 oz Mezcala
• ½ oz Ancho Reyes Liqueur
• 5 oz Q Spectacular Margarita Mix
• ¼ Lime Juice
• 1 Fresh Jalapeno Slice

Method:

• Pour ingredients in the above order into an ice filled glass. Stir gently.

Pińita

While the name might denote a sweet, little pineapple drink, this cocktail by Luis Lopez, Milagro Tequila West Coast Ambassador makes a big impression. The combination of pineapple and bitters offers that balanced sip that can pair with almost anything.

As Lopez said, “For many of us, Cinco de Mayo marks the unofficial kick-off of sun filled days, just like what you’d experience in the Jalisco highlands of Mexico. This Cinco de Mayo I wanted to enjoy a cocktail that embodies the upbeat energy and creativity of Mexico. This drink highlights fragrant, sweet notes of the pineapple, plus agave nectar and fresh lime juice. A few dashes of Angostura bitters balances the cocktail, while the Milagro Tequila shines bright throughout. Salud!”

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts Milagro Silver
• ½ part Pineapple juice
• ¼ part Agave nectar
• 1 part Lime juice
• Float 3 dashes of Angostura

Method:

• Add all ingredients (except angostura) into shaker add ice and shake for 5 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and float 3 dashes of bitters.
• Garnish with pineapple fronds.

fizzymargarita

Sometimes a few bubbles can make any celebration sparkle. This cocktail from bubly is quite effervescent. While it does have tequila, it could be a mocktail as well. Versatility is key with this libation.

Ingredients

• 3-4 oz. limebubly
• 1 oz. silver tequila
•  ¾ oz. orange liqueur
• ½ oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• lime wheel, garnish
• salted rim (optional)

Method

• Rub rim of rocks glass in lime juice and dip in salt. Shake off excess and fill with ice. Add the rest of the ingredients and garnish

Guy Fieri’s Caliente Margarita

Just like his food empire, Guy Fieri is never afraid to make a big impression. His Santo Spirits appreciates that a great cocktail is a spark to any celebration. Whether that gathering is in a Diners, Drive-Ins or Dives or served with some Donkey Sauce, the event is what you make of it.

But, the flavor is the reason why people come back for more. For example, Fieri recommends adding a Rojo Rim for added flavor. Blending together some black pepper, salt, Cajun seasoning, chili and cayenne powder will have people licking their lips.

Grab the sunglasses and get ready to go to Flavortown. This Caliente Margarita is a top Cinco de Mayo cocktails choice.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz Santo Blanco Tequila
• 2 oz triple sec
• 1 bunch cilantro leaves
• 3 jalapeños (2 for muddling, 1 for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 oz Homemade Sour Mix

Method

• Muddle cilantro and two jalapeños in the bottom of a large pitcher. As you are muddling, add tequila and triple sec. Stir the margarita well, adding sour mix as you go. Pour into glasses rimmed with salt and garnish with a lime wedge and jalapeño slice.

Homemade Sour Mix Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh lime juice

Method:

• Mix together sugar with 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan. Allow to simmer until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Once it has cooled, add the lemon and lime juice and chill it until you are ready to use it.
• Yields 6-8 drinks

Blood Moon

Since Cinco de Mayo is during Taurus Season, Astral Tequila looked to the stars for its take on Cinco de Mayo cocktails. Curated by ASTRALogist Aliza Kelly, The Blood Moon cocktail is more than just a sip for a single day. Consider it the go-to beverage for that Taurus in your life.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Astral Tequila Blanco
• 1.5 oz Fresh Blood Orange Juice
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 tsp Agave Nectar
• Sparkling Blood Orange Soda to top
• Garnish: Dehydrated Blood Orange
• Glassware: Rocks Glass

Preparation:

• Combine first four ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add ice, shake and strain into an ice filled glass. Top with sparkling blood orange soda.

La Rica

Sometimes the visual is just as important as the taste. With rose season around the corner, why not put some pink tequila in the glass for Cinco de Mayo. This cocktail from Casa Rica Rosado will have everyone tickled pink.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium wild strawberry
• .25 oz. Lime juice
• .75 oz. Strawberry purée
• .75 oz. Simple syrup
• 1 oz. Rose Wine
• 1.5 oz. Casa Rica Rosado

Directions:

• Muddle strawberry, combine, shake, and serve with crushed ice and a strawberry slice

Betty Buzz Sparkling Margarita

Sometimes simplicity is the way to go. Even though Blake Lively made a stunning transformation at the Met Gala, this Cinco de Mayo cocktail is a little understated but makes a big impression. Sometimes being subtle gets the most attention.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Tequila
• 1/2 Bottle Betty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime
• 1 oz agave or simple syrup

Method:

• Start with a lowball glass and add ice, tequila, agave, Betty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime, and stir together. Garnish with a lime wheel.

SkinnySeed Margarita

Many people love a margarita but would prefer to avoid the heaping amount of sugar in the glass. This “skinny” option keeps all the flavor that people crave yet skips that extra spoonful of sugar.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz 21Seeds Valencia Orange
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• ½ cup of ice

Directions:

• Place all ingredients into shaker with ½ cup of ice
• Shake for 30 seconds (totally underrated and makes the cocktail)
• Pour into glass and garnish with a lime or orange slice

Optional:

• Rub the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and salt the rim. If you want to lighten it up and make it go further, add club soda

Hornitos Don Francisco Margarita

Taking inspiration from its history, this margarita from Hornitos is a must try. From the honey as the sweet element to the edible marigold that ties to Mexican cultural, it proves that a margarita can be an elevated cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts Hornitos Plata or Reposado Tequila
• 1 Part Orange Juice
• ½ Part Lime Juice
• ¾ Part Honey Syrup
• Orange Wheel
• Edible Marigold
• Salt & Chili Powder Rim

Directions:

• Put equal parts salt and chili powder on a plate. Use an orange or lime wedge to wet the rim of the glass, and gently roll it into the salt/chili powder. Combine cocktail ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into your rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.

Prickly Pear & Agave Margarita

Sometimes a bold color can set the tone for a celebration. The Prickly Pear and Agave Margarita by Manny Hinojosa, Global Brand Ambassador of Tequila Cazadores is that beverage. The vibrant hue might entice, but the flavor is what impresses even more.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 parts Tequila Cazadores Blanco
• ¼ oz. St. Germain
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 3/4 oz. agave nectar
• 1 oz. Fresh Prickly Pear Puree
• Manny’s Salt Rim

Method:

• In a mixing glass, add all the ingredients with ice, shake and serve on the rocks (salt rim optional). Garnish with a lime wedge.

What Cinco de Mayo cocktails do you recommend? Do you know of a great celebratory cocktail?